Habib protected Russian journalist at UFC 223 despite manager's objections

Azamat Bostanov, now an MMA manager, recounted his experience covering Khabib Nurmagomedov's title win at UFC 223 in Brooklyn eight years ago. Manager Ali Abdelaziz initially told Bostanov not to approach their team after he interviewed Artem Lobov following the famous bus incident. However, Khabib overruled Abdelaziz, putting his arm around Bostanov and saying "This is our guy, he's just doing his job." Bostanov described how 20-30 Dagestanis gathered at the hotel ready to protect Khabib from potential Conor McGregor provocations, and recalled Khabib's kindness despite exhaustion, taking time to greet everyone and let Bostanov wear his championship belt for photos. The account portrays Khabib as consistently gracious and accessible even after becoming champion.